Last but not least, to this weekend's Challenge Cup semi-finals, and a couple of potential crackers. From a financial point of view, Warrington-Leeds would be the dream final, guaranteeing a full Wembley and a colourful sea of primrose, amber and blue. Warrington-Saints would be a cracking story, as the Wolves aim to end their wretched run against their local rivals on the grandest stage of all. But with apologies to the Catalans Dragons, we really could do without a repeat of the first final at the new Wembley, when they were comfortably beaten by St Helens at their most dominant in 2007.

Wilson is right here. But as a Wire I would love a Wire v Saints final.

Last but not least, to this weekend's Challenge Cup semi-finals, and a couple of potential crackers. From a financial point of view, Warrington-Leeds would be the dream final, guaranteeing a full Wembley and a colourful sea of primrose, amber and blue. Warrington-Saints would be a cracking story, as the Wolves aim to end their wretched run against their local rivals on the grandest stage of all. But with apologies to the Catalans Dragons, we really could do without a repeat of the first final at the new Wembley, when they were comfortably beaten by St Helens at their most dominant in 2007.

Wilson is right here. But as a Wire I would love a Wire v Saints final.

Catalans getting to Wembley would be a bad blow for the game.

It wouldn't. It really wouldn't. Catalans would be a boost for the game in many ways not least for strengthening the game in South of France and shattering the public perception of a sport which has not progressed from the original clubs who split away in 1895.

Last but not least, to this weekend's Challenge Cup semi-finals, and a couple of potential crackers. From a financial point of view, Warrington-Leeds would be the dream final, guaranteeing a full Wembley and a colourful sea of primrose, amber and blue. Warrington-Saints would be a cracking story, as the Wolves aim to end their wretched run against their local rivals on the grandest stage of all. But with apologies to the Catalans Dragons, we really could do without a repeat of the first final at the new Wembley, when they were comfortably beaten by St Helens at their most dominant in 2007.

Wilson is right here. But as a Wire I would love a Wire v Saints final.

Catalans getting to Wembley would be a bad blow for the game.

No it wouldn't. Bulletproof is correct for the reasons he stated. In addition in 2007 when Les Catalans Dragons played there a Frenchman with a Muslim name scored a try, which gave the game a more international flavour.

Moreover last time Les Catalans played at Wembley they got around 84,000 spectators (I was one of them) which is more than many of the "M62 only" CC finals have attracted.

No it wouldn't. Bulletproof is correct for the reasons he stated. In addition in 2007 when Les Catalans Dragons played there a Frenchman with a Muslim name scored a try, which gave the game a more international flavour.

Moreover last time Les Catalans played at Wembley they got around 84,000 spectators (I was one of them) which is more than many of the "M62 only" CC finals have attracted.

Whilst I completely disagree with Wendall's point, the 80,000+ crowd at that game was not due to Catalans being a draw, it was due to it being the first RL game at the new Wembley.

I am talking about selling the game out and having a close, competitive final.

The last thing we need is empty seats and a one sided game, right?

The positives of Catalans making it would far outweigh those two negatives.

And One sided game? let's hope Warrington wins then because if the team that BEATS them makes the final they won't stand a chance. You're basically saying "the winner of this game will go on to lose the final... unless ofcourse it's Warrington"

I am talking about selling the game out and having a close, competitive final.

The last thing we need is empty seats and a one sided game, right?

The game will probably not sell out even if it is without Les Catalans.

As for closeness, don't underestimate the Wembley "lift." Most of the Les Catalans pack will have been at Wembley in 2007, and desirous of reversing that outcome. If Greenshields, Bosc, Pelo, McGuire, Ferriol, Fakir, Elima, Carlaw and Guisset are fit, then Les Catalans have a chance.

The game will probably not sell out even if it is without Les Catalans.

As for closeness, don't underestimate the Wembley "lift." Most of the Les Catalans pack will have been at Wembley in 2007, and desirous of reversing that outcome. If Greenshields, Bosc, Pelo, McGuire, Ferriol, Fakir, Elima, Carlaw and Guisset are fit, then Les Catalans have a chance.

Quote pre-new Wembley sell-outs, when the pre-allseater ground held 100k, it got filled a good few times.RFL don't sell "restricted view" tickets where they can avoid it, which explains 77k in an 80k ground. That final you quote Mick was the first in "our new summer golden age", and Skints and Dulls hit the ground running and served up 74 tackle free points. I turned it off, bored, with 20 to go, who-ever had the ball scored. Might as well have been basketball.

Anyway, anyone see where the Cats v Wires thread went? Getting nervous, but still think we can just do it.